......so when Aloes dresses up

[Falcon]

in UNC Tshirt and grey wig and beret, I think that is theatre. But does he cross the line when he wears a garland?
Does it represent yet another Panday prop? And even if it does, in the interest of race relations in TT, should he use it?

(reference is Calypso Fiesta in south yesterday.)

[Huma]

You really think Sugar Aloes gives a sh|t about race relations in Trinidad?

He still singing about Panday after his son get gunned down the other day?

[serenity]

Depends on what the song is about and what he's trying to portray.

The garland, being an item used in hindu worship means that if the song was about what many ppl critisize as blind loyalty to Panday ie, him being almost a god to dem Indians, then by all means, I think the garland would be a good touch. Other than that however, if the song is one that just generally abuses Panday, then him wearing the garland is unnec antagonistic.

[snowbird]

Not sure if it's still done, but in the old days one of the purposes of Calypso music was among other things to engage in political commentary, or even poke fun at Politicians, or anyone else for that matter, as in the case of 'ole mas'.

Is it no longer acceptable for people to engage in this type 'banter'?

In the old days, everything and everyone was fair game, and all of it was taken the spirit that it was intended.
I remember going to many an ole mas fete and seeing the private lives of the 'upper class' played out in full colour :lol:

[serenity]

I agree SB, but in terms of race relations and the downturn it has taken in recent years, perhaps a little diplomacy is needed these days.

[Falcon]

mind you, Sat does just as little to improve relations with not endorsing Hindu School entrants in the Calypso finals for juniors.
What sort of 'well-rounded' citizen is he trying to produce with Baal Vikaas (sp) alone?

[serenity]

Fal, what that have to do with Aloes?
Not that i disagree with u eh, but we eh hear what u think yet.

[snowbird]

mind you, Sat does just as little to improve relations with not endorsing Hindu School entrants in the Calypso finals for juniors.
What sort of 'well-rounded' citizen is he trying to produce with Baal Vikaas (sp) alone?

Unfortunately in some communities it will take longer for the 'old school' to disappear. I remember in the olden days (again I keep referring, but that's my era :lol: ) it was not proper for 'decent people' to sing Calypso; women didn't 'play pan'; and heaven forbid someone from upper or middle class showed up in a pan yard :roll:
I have two cousins who are now world renowned 'Pannis' that were ostracized by our older generation for 'hanging around with those hooligans' in the pan yard :roll: "No body who was anybody' ventured into a pan yard :roll:
Thank God for the evolution of the genre.

[Falcon]

Fal, what that have to do with Aloes?
Not that i disagree with u eh, but we eh hear what u think yet.
I think it wasn't necessary to wear the garland. I thought common sense would have had some part to play when Aloes thought this one up, because surely he knew that Bas wasn't from Hawaii.

What gets me is the fact that thousands of sheep will bleat their approval of these racial antics, and because we are a tiny USwannabe, we will claim crap like free speech and art.

[snowbird]

Fal, what that have to do with Aloes?
Not that i disagree with u eh, but we eh hear what u think yet.
I think it wasn't necessary to wear the garland. I thought common sense would have had some part to play when Aloes thought this one up, because surely he knew that Bas wasn't from Hawaii.

What gets me is the fact that thousands of sheep will bleat their approval of these racial antics, and because we are a tiny USwannabe, we will claim crap like free speech and art.


Not meaning to take this thread in another direction, however just to rebut this statement. Tell me this isn't the first time you have seen 'the faithful' cheer when one of their Leaders say something tasteless or disrespectful about someone or some other group..... it's called 'Lemming Mentality'.

[serenity]

What gets me is the fact that thousands of sheep will bleat their approval of these racial antics, and because we are a tiny USwannabe, we will claim crap like free speech and art.


What makes wearing a garland a racial antic? Is it race u're considering bec of the artist involved? What if it were Gillian Lucky singing the calypso?

[Falcon]

Yes, based on the unapologetic sentiments of the 'artist'. This is how Aloes keeps his following. CroCro for all the things that he may be, is still talented.

Aloes at best, is a poor-man's Baron.

[Poser]

At one time the calypsonian was the vehicle to carry issues into the general population .. issues that somehow where denied coverage by the Press ... the calypsonian was the mouthpiece for the masses .. Alloes has run out of ideas ... in contrast Chalkdust continues his brilliance with his Joan of Arts this year ... as for disrespect .. no ... many calypsonians use the image they are singing about as a prop ..

look at Maria Bhola who had a hit with the Larry Achong image last year... singing "I Love You"

[dancerboy]

FALCON, MY FRIEND, would you have felt the same way if RIKKI JAI came on stage wearing DASHIKI, AND A RING IN HIS NOSE, AND SANG ABOUT MANNING ? It seems as though you have a dislike for 'SUGARS'. And i eh saying so because he is meh pardner eh. I didn't think the calypso was so hot. It's an 'edition' of and ole tune. But, as you said, CHALKDUST IN A CLASS BY HESELF. VERY CREATIVE.

DANCERBOY

[vaio]

i saw aloes dressed up and wearing the garland.....and i've also seen chutney artistes using it as part of their props as well....is it right??....no its down right wrong.....in both instances.

[Falcon]

Serenity, I'd listen to Aloes ANYDAY over TrickyRicky.........both have crap lyrics, but at least Aloes does sound like d Baron :P . It would definitely offend sensibilities if the Rickster dressed up in a dashiki....and he would probably be booed off (but that's another story). Remember the garland is considered in an ethnic sense and in a religious sense.....to me the dashiki is only a west african ethnic symbol......remember I said 'to me'.

[serenity]

Serenity, I'd listen to Aloes ANYDAY over TrickyRicky.........both have crap lyrics, but at least Aloes does sound like d Baron :P . It would definitely offend sensibilities if the Rickster dressed up in a dashiki....and he would probably be booed off (but that's another story). Remember the garland is considered in an ethnic sense and in a religious sense.....to me the dashiki is only a west african ethnic symbol......remember I said 'to me'.


Uh, Fal, I didnt ask u bout Rikki nah, I ask yuh bout Lucky.
But I find it interesting that u prefer Aloes to Jai. I am not familiar with their music but from what I gleaned is that Aloes' music is primarily politically and racially based, some even downright offensive; while Jai's is merely frivolous entertaintainment value.

[Falcon]

I told you they both have crap lyrics, and that I would prefer Aloes voice! Is this thread about me or Aloes??

[serenity]

Methinks thou doth protest too much! :lol:
Ah jus commenting on your stated views. Was de prob? Yuh getting uptight like Huma man!

[dancerboy]

Serenity, I'd listen to Aloes ANYDAY over TrickyRicky.........both have crap lyrics, but at least Aloes does sound like d Baron :P . It would definitely offend sensibilities if the Rickster dressed up in a dashiki....and he would probably be booed off (but that's another story). Remember the garland is considered in an ethnic sense and in a religious sense.....to me the dashiki is only a west african ethnic symbol......remember I said 'to me'.


Uh, Fal, I didnt ask u bout Rikki nah, I ask yuh bout Lucky.
But I find it interesting that u prefer Aloes to Jai. I am not familiar with their music but from what I gleaned is that Aloes' music is primarily politically and racially based, some even downright offensive; while Jai's is merely frivolous entertaintainment value.
FALCON, LIKE CARNIVAL STRESSING U OUT. WHAT U GO DO WHEN U GET MY AGE YOUNGSTER ? IS I WHO MENTIONED ABOUT DE DASHIKI, NOT SERENITY. like serenity on your mind. SHE HAVE U TOTOOLBAY.
DANCERBOY

[King B]

I saw it and didn't like it. Leave religious symbols out of the picong. It was unnecessary.


I have to disagree with you though Falcon; Cro Cro is far worse than Aloes with the racist nonsense.

[sapodila]

So What! The man want to wear a garland......big deal! First of all the Garland / Mala is NOT a religious symbol. (Argue all alyuh want bout dis). It is NOT a religious symbol, per se. Just how one would present a bouquet of flowers to a recipient, is the same way the Mala is use to 'greet'. What happen to alyuh Hindus, like alyuh does do bedi pooja and don't know half or more of what goes on on the bedi or wat?! Why alyuh tink flowers is offered... jus fuh so!? stueps!

[Kalz]

Leh we doh make Aloe a subject here nah people. We all know his politics and low objective in life. It so sad about a man so talented but to each his own. Leh we focus on more positive (and unbiased) rising stars. Fellas like Aloes will always come and go but is up to us to ignore their foolishness.